Aloe vera oil is made from the maceration of the aloe vera plant and infused with a base oil, such as soybean, almond or apricot, resulting in an extract. The botanical classification is of the family aloceae, and the genus aloe vera.

Aloe vera is a plant that grows in clumps, with thick, waxy leaves. It is grey-green in color and is considered a perennial, which means it is a plant that lives more than two years. It is further classified as a succulent, meaning it is a water-retaining plant, thus its "fat" appearance.

For many years, aloe vera has been recognized for a variety of health benefits. Copious research has found that not only does the aloe vera extract aid in healing from burns as well as reducing scarring and inflammation, the aloe vera juice can also be used internally as a laxative and to treat asthma, peptic ulcers and other digestive disorders. Aloe vera oil has been shown to be effective in treating diabetes, constipation and a poor appetite as well as enhancing the overall immune system.

This oil has exhibited anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. Containing a host of beneficial compounds, the aloe vera extract has also been shown interesting results when used in conjunction with conventional cancer treatment. It can influence and stimulate assorted factors of the immune system by reducing the inflammation and blood supply to tumors, and can prevent certain compounds from being absorbed by the liver.

Ad

Externally, aloe vera oil can be used to induce cell regeneration, treat skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, acne and skin ulcers, as well as surgical wounds. This is thought to be because it contains vitamin E and C, as well as zinc and polysaccharides which aid in stimulating epidermal growth and cell repair.

As if that weren't enough, the aloe vera oils have shown rejuvenating and healing benefits in massage therapy, have been effective in killing the virus that causes herpes and shingles, and have shown a positive result in remission of certain skin cancers.

The aloe vera extract contains many health benefits proven by extensive research. Talk to your doctor or health practitioner about the advantages of adding aloe vera to your health regimen.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments

Please enter the code:

Login

Register

Make changes/additions/deletions to the article below, and one of our editors will publish your suggestions if warranted.

Optional: Explanation of your recommended changes

Thank You!

One of our editors will review your suggestion and make changes if warranted.
Note that depending on the number of suggestions we receive,
this can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days.
Thank you for helping to improve wiseGEEK!